Sacred Heart College was founded in Ballarat East in 1881 by the Sisters of Mercy. In 1967 the Sisters opened St Martin's in the Pines at Mt Clear, a senior campus of Sacred Heart College. St Paul's Technical College began in 1948, it was a diocesan school conducted by the Christian Brothers at the invitation of the Bishop. Damascus College was formed when these three schools amalgamated in 1995.

The College originally commenced operation on two campuses, the former St Paul's site in Victoria Street was the Year 7-9 campus and the current Mt Clear campus, which had been the site of St Martin's, was for Year 10-12 students. The decision to amalgamate onto one site at Mt Clear was announced by the Governors in 2005. The Victoria Street campus was closed in December 2010 and the College began operating wholly from the current site in 2011.

Originally co-governed by the Sisters of Mercy and the Diocese of Ballarat, in 2022 Damascus College transitioned governance to the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL). The College provides Catholic secondary co-education for students in Ballarat and surrounding areas on a beautiful 20-hectare site in Mt Clear. The campus provides an ideal setting for a modern and integrated Year 7-12 campus to continue in the tradition of the Colleges that went before it while also forging its own strong and vibrant future.

Below is the Damascus College Timeline for you to explore and further understand the rich history of the College. From the founding of Sacred Heart College, St. Paul’s Technical College, and St. Martin’s in the Pines to the amalgamation and establishment of Damascus College in 1995, this timeline highlights key milestones and celebrates the evolution of our school community. Enjoy the read!